PROTEST WALKOUT

On strike: 1,900 doctors and about 2,000 health workers. "This is to stop the central government from continuing to use Social Security funds and then tell us there is no money," said Mauro Zuniga, secretary-general of the Social Security Medical and Professional Association. Social Security doctors and health workers are seeking wage increases and claim that the health funds are being used for Panama's $3.5 billion debt. Pharmacists in Social Security clinics and hospitals have refused to dispense medicine in all but emergency cases since last week. They also are seeking higher pay.